Federal Furniture
FEDERAL STYLE
Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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Style: Federal
Federal Style Circular Mirror, Giltwood Wall / Pier / Vanity
Located in Manhasset, NY
Federal style circular mirror, giltwood wall / Pier / vanity
A Petite Federal style mirror that would compliment any Hollywood Regency or Mid-Century Modern décor. fine giltwood c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front One-Drawer Server with Brass Pulls. C.1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front one-drawer server with a one board top, original brass floral pulls and escutcheon, and resting on the original turned bulbous ringed legs, Early ...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
1940s Federal Style 6-Arm Brass Chandelier Nickel Plated with Original Patina
Located in New York, NY
This federal style 6 light chandelier is original to the 1940's and is nickel pated over brass with the original patina. It has elegant arms surrounding an urn shaped body and featur...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Pair of American Federal Brass Flanking Urn Finial Engraved Andirons Phil C 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with flanking urn finials, matching urn finial log stops, engraved swags on skirt, and resting on banded...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 19th C American Dolphin Giltwood Sconces
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of dolphin sconces made of carved wood gilt featuring two candle arms. Dolphin-form items are rare and highly demanded among collector's.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
$35,000 / set
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.25" H x 12.5" W x 8.75" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Pier Table c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This late Federal mahogany pier table, crafted around 1840, elegantly showcases the aesthetic preferences and skilled craftsmanship of its era. Featuring stately paw feet, this table...
Category
1840s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Compartmentalized Hinged Work Table, VA Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany work table with a hinged top revealing two flanking compartments, deep centered reeded front drawer with original...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Federal Style Bow Front Figured Mahogany Chest for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The fine chest with four graduated drawers each with fine string inlay and with a pair of brass oval bales decorated with a classical columned rotunda and brass key holes. All drawer...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Bullseye Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Federal Bullseye Mirror. Circular concave gilt outer surround with attached spheres, and an ebonized and ribbed inner one. Planked wood...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Smoked Glass, Wood
$1,995
Pair of American Federal Painted Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Federal faux bamboo painted side chairs with spindle back and rush seat with cushion
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
$3,600 / set
Pair of American Federal Brass Urn Finial Shield Engraved Andirons. Phil. C 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with shield engraved urn finials, shield engraved plinths, incised checkering lines, engraved swags on s...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Colonial Mfg. Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock. Item features a working lock and key, includes all parts pictured. Very ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Early 20th C. Hand Carved Continental Parcel Gilt Eagle Motif Wall Sconces
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of early 20th century hand carved eagle motif gilt wood wall sconces.
Nicely carved and made, will fit in with any traditional American decor.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 18" H x 13" W x 18.25" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Federal Bronze Clear Pebbled Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th Century hanging lantern exudes timeless charm. Its bronze frame and clear pebbled glass showcase a classic design, capturing the essence of the Federal style, making ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz Design Rug with Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77369 Vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz Design Rug with Colonial and Federal Style 08'10 x 11'09. This hand knotted vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz design rug features an all-over Shah A...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool, Silk
PAIR of Federal Style Mahogany CABINETS, c. early 1900's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Pair of Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Cabinets. Each stand has five dovetailed drawers with glass flower shaped knobs. These would be perfect as nightstands, lingerie ca...
Category
1910s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$2,320 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century Federal Painted Bench
Located in Nashville, TN
Bench has arrow shaped splats. Slightly reduced in length. Original condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th C. Mirror American Wood Carved Federal
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Early wood carved Federal mirror. This would be a wonderful addition to your decor. Please be sure to check our storefront for more wonderful decorating pieces that range from Primit...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet
Dimensions : 33h x 18d x 48w
This chest was made by Currey And Company and is called their Creslow Decorative cabinet....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Brass and Iron Hand Made Fireplace Tool Set With Stand
Located in Sheridan, CO
Exquisite set of hand made brass fireplace tools from England (late 1800s) along with hand forged iron brush from France (mid 1800s). Set includes shovel, fork, tongs, brush and stan...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Fine Antique Federal Period Parcel Gilt Wall Mirror c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Fine Antique Federal Period Parcel Gilt Wall Mirror, dating to circa 1830, embodies the elegance and restrained beauty characteristic of the Federal style. The mirror features a...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
An elegant vintage federal style carved wood frame triple hall bench with 10 legs.
This hall bench is being sold in its original conditi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Portrait Puccini Painting
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting titled "Portrait Puccini" showing woman in black dress with white lace rummaging through jewelry chest
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Paint
Antique Baltimore Federal Classical Silver Ladle by Gould & Ward
Located in New York, NY
Federal Classical silver ladle. Made by Gould & Ward in Baltimore, ca 1820. Upturned fiddle terminal engraved with script monogram. Marked “Gould & Ward Baltimore” with “11-12”, whic...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass
Located in Long Branch, NJ
1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass
Measures 44 wide x 93 tall x 22 deep
sides 30 inches against wall
This 2 piece corner cabinet is de...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Mahogany Banded Top Hepplewhite Brass Castors Tapered Legs Sideboard MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Mahogany Banded Top Hepplewhite Brass Castors Tapered Legs Sideboard MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Federal Style Gilt Bronze 2 Lite Sconces Early 20th Cent 'One Pair Only'
Located in Atlanta, GA
One pair of federal style gilt bronze 2 light sconces. Handsome gilt bronze and substantial weight and presence. Perfect for any room.
Category
Early 20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
American Cherry Candle Stand
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very interesting American cherry candle stand with exaggerated spider arched legs giving it a contemporary feel.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Silhouettes of Livingston Family Members
Located in New York, NY
Snipping a profile from paper with scissors, and mounting the result to a contrasting sheet of paper, became a popular diversion among the European and American upper classes in the ...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Vintage Federal Style Brass Urn Finial Cast Iron Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Brass Urn Finial Cast Iron Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pc Set. Listing includes (1) stand, (1) shovel, (1) broom, and (1) set of tongs. Circa Late 20th Century. Meas...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Hollywood Regency Tole Lamps
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a beautiful pair of Hollywood Regency style Italian tole lamps! The bases are black marble with gold gilt leaves rising up from them to the ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$1,575 / item
Early 19th Century American Federal Gilt Overmantel Mirror
Located in Long Island City, NY
This American Federal-period overmantel composition mirror features a gilt carved wood and gesso frame. A sculpted eagle is perched above an églomisé panel depicting flowers. Separating the panels of original mirror glass are engaged Corinthian columns, and atop each of the ends are flame-and-leaf finials. The mirror is of an unusual design, but two Federal-period New York mirrors...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Price Upon Request
Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Document Box 19th Century American
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and fine, dovetailed poplar, rosewood grain painted and ebonized document box. The gold stenciling is of a very fine quality. Retains the original fire gilded steel bai...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold, Steel
Price Upon Request
Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
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